Whatever your reasons for moving abroad, it’s always difficult to leave behind friends and family and to start a new life in a different country. Many expats experience loneliness; and some feel guilty, especially if leaving elderly parents behind.

They key to settling in is to embrace change and make the most of your new surroundings. Taking a positive outlook, you can see it as a chance to have an adventure, to shake things up and step out of your comfort zone…

Italy has traditionally been a top tourist destination due to its culture, history, food and climate. As a result of the new Financial Law of 2017 (“legge di bilancio 2017”) for the purpose of attracting not only tourists but also high wealth individuals in this beautiful country, the government has introduced an optional preferential tax regime (“flat tax”) in favor of physical persons wishing to transfer their residency to our country.

This upcoming Auction is to raise enough money to pay for a temporary home for our friends Mark and Sarah.

Save the Date! Sunday 19th March at 9 am Italy time! Running for one full week and ending on Sunday 26th March at 11.30 pm Italy time.

Sarah and Mark work tirelessly to help the affected pets and farm animals from the devastating earthquakes around Amatrice, Italy last year. Tragically, their home was also very badly damaged in the second wave of earthquakes in late October and has been declared uninhabitable. We desperately want to help them to raise the money to have temporary accommodation near their home. Having a base will enable them to continue to help the animals more easily.

Way off the beaten track, nestled in the Apennine hills in Molise, is the little town of Agnone – home of my ancestors. Here, our family have been making bells for the Popes for over 1000 years in the world’s oldest bell foundry. This is a rural community, not of contadini, but of world-class artisans. At one time in the early middle-ages there were 9 bell foundries, yet the main industry of the town which brought it wealth and prosperity, was always copper.

In Europe venues and supplier charge a premium during summer months as every couple rush to secure dates across June, July and August. Is a summer wedding all it is cracked up to be though? Many of Europe’s cities and countryside towns boast gorgeous back drops and stunning venues, however, with the uncertainty of summer weather, it can be difficult to plan for all weather occasions!

Winter Weddings are on the up with couples all over the World opting for the ambience of winter months and cosiness of venues where candle light can really make an impact and the smells and warmth of the season flow through the air, rosying your cheeks and making your guests get lost in your own little haven. Here are our top 5 reasons for preferri...

In September, I went to the wedding of a childhood friend in Italy. Never would I have thought that my friend Maria, from rural California where we played in creeks and rode horses, would be marrying an Italian man in the high fashion streets of Milan.

A day before the wedding, I learned I would be one of the wedding photographers since there would not be an official photographer. It’s a good thing I enjoy photography and have a good camera!

When you move your family to a new country, choosing the right schools for your children can be one of the most difficult tasks. Learning about an unfamiliar education system and finding answers to your questions can be tricky, especially if there’s a language barrier.

Many countries allow expats access to school places within their own state system, but another option to consider is sending your child to an International School.